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A Mouse Model of Pulmonary Fibrosis Induced by Nasal Bleomycin Nebulization
Published on: January 20, 2023
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Elastase modifies bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.
Larissa Alexsandra Silva Neto Trajano1, Eduardo Tavares Lima Trajano1, Manuella Lanzetti2
1Pós-graduação em Biologia Humana e Experimental, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Acta Histochemica
|February 8, 2016
Summary
This study investigated pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and emphysema in mice. Combining elastase and bleomycin treatments surprisingly improved lung histology, despite initial increases in oxidative stress and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Toxicology
- Pathology
Background:
- Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) involves excessive lung collagen accumulation.
- Emphysema is characterized by extracellular matrix (ECM) loss and alveolar enlargement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the co-occurrence of elastase-induced emphysema and bleomycin-induced PF in a mouse model.
- To analyze the impact on oxidative stress, inflammation, and lung histology.
Main Methods:
- C57BL/6 mice were divided into control, bleomycin, elastase+bleomycin (PPE+B), and elastase groups.
- Mice were sacrificed at 7, 14, and 21 days post-treatment for analysis.
- Histology, collagen deposition, antioxidant enzyme activity, nitrite levels, and cytokine expression (IL-1β, IL-6) were assessed.
Main Results:
- PF was observed at 14 and 21 days post-bleomycin, but only at 14 days in the PPE+B group.
- The PPE+B group showed improved histology by day 21, with more alveoli and fewer PF areas compared to bleomycin alone.
- Collagen deposition was transient in the PPE+B group (14 days) but progressive in the bleomycin group.
- Combined treatment initially increased oxidative stress and inflammation markers, but overall lung histology improved.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema did not coexist in this experimental model.
- Despite increased oxidative stress and inflammation, the combined elastase and bleomycin treatment led to improved lung histology compared to PF alone.
